Strangles case identified at our Norfolk farm
A horse at our Hall farm in Norfolk has tested positive for strangles, a highly infectious respiratory disease.
Posted on 05/02/2025

A recent arrival tested positive for the disease, which means she and any further cases will be kept isolated from the main herd and will stay that way until they recover and are no longer infectious.
Given the nature of the horses we help, cases like this are not uncommon, and the team are well-equipped to manage them effectively.
As is our protocol, all movement of horses both in and out of Hall Farm have been suspended until further notice.
As an added precaution we are also closed to the public until further notice.
Effected animals are receiving the appropriate treatment and all are expected to make a full recovery.
World Horse Welfare Hall Farm Centre Manager Sue Hodgkins said:
“As a precautionary measure, we have suspended horse movements, and we will not be able to hire the school for any equine events until we are 100 per cent confident there is no further infectious risk or cases identified.
“I know it can be scary for horse owners when they hear the word strangles, but we would like to reassure everyone this is something we are very experienced in managing. Our team are well practised in containing and treating the disease, and we are confident this case will be handled effectively.”
Strangles is not a notifiable disease but due to its prevalence and the fact it is so infectious, we are taking robust action to bring its spread to a halt and protect the wider equine population.
Several equestrian events, including a pole clinic due to take place on Sunday (February 9), have been cancelled.
Rehoming from Hall Farm will also be suspended until our rescue and rehoming centre is clear from infection.
Further updates will be posted here and on our social media channels.
For further information on disease prevention see the charity’s advice pages.
Topics
Related News

YouTube star This Esme visits World Horse Welfare
The team at our Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre welcomed Esme for a visit recently.

Celebrating our often-unsung heroes who work 365 days a year
We launch World Horse Welfare Groom Appreciation Day to shine a spotlight on the invaluable and inspiring work of our grooms.
Recommended Blog Posts

What does biosecurity mean and how do you quarantine a new horse?
Research and Education Officer Alana Chapman shares simple steps you can take to prevent an outbreak of disease on your yard.

How does the Animal Welfare Act 2006 inform our everyday work?
Our Chief Field Officer shares an insight into how this piece of legislation informs our work.

What is a dummy rider and how do we use them on our farms?
We catch up with Caroline Heard, Assistant Manager at Belwade Farm, to find out all about them.
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter

Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now